Dear Friends,

Welcome to the first monthly newsletter for the Oakland80 initiative!

Our ambitious goal – getting 80 percent of Oakland County’s adult-age population a post-secondary degree or certificate by 2030 – is rooted in the data that shows that encouraging the growth of a skilled and talented workforce has two key benefits. It helps residents get higher-paying jobs and it attracts businesses to the county where they know the pipeline of skilled and educated workers is plentiful.

I’m proud of the partners that have come together thus far. The work is based on the broad collaboration of organizations representing education, labor, business, non-profit, and the public. We’re making progress towards achieving our goal, yet there is a lot of work ahead.

Earlier this year, we published an Oakland80 special report, “Expanding Post-Secondary Attainment – The Road to Economic Success in Oakland County,” which provides an in-depth understanding of the post-secondary attainment landscape in Oakland County. It outlines data and research, promising practices, and strategies that we will prioritize over the next few years. For me, there were three key takeaways from the data:

• Oakland County residents with a college degree have a median annual wage of $61,796 compared to $25,748 for those without a degree. Higher post-secondary education leads to higher wages.
• There are areas that still need work to reach a more geographically and demographically diverse population in Oakland County. The report will be used as a roadmap to achieve better results, including greater equity.
• Since starting more than two years ago, the number of Oakland County residents with a degree or training has grown from 61% to 69%.

With the start of the 2023-24 academic year, there’s no better time to encourage adults to go back to school! Michigan Reconnect scholarships for community college tuition are being expanded to include anyone 21 and older and, in Oakland County, there are Oakland80 Tuition scholarships and supportive services available. Whether it’s to fulfill a lifelong dream of completing post-secondary education or in hopes of earning higher wages – or both – our team can help residents achieve their goals.

In this monthly newsletter, you’ll find all the information you’ll need to tap into the resources and programs we’re offering for residents and businesses to succeed and thrive as well as ways to become an Oakland80 partner.

Thank for you interest in this vital and valuable initiative.

With gratitude,

Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive

Gesher Human Services has been a key partner in the Oakland80 initiative since its inception three years ago. 

Formerly known as Jewish Vocational Services, the  non-profit community organization is named after the Hebrew word for “bridge”, with a mission of helping people enjoy success through inclusive programming and opportunities.

Gesher is committed to helping Metro Detroit residents access valuable career development, behavioral health and residential services.  Its partnership with Oakland80 is helping residents in obtaining post-secondary degrees and skill credentials.

To date, Gesher has deployed eight Career and Education Navigators throughout the county. They meet people interested in post-secondary education in the communities where they live.

"Our partnership with Oakland County's Oakland80 Initiative embodies our commitment to fostering educational equity. By joining forces with the county, Michigan Works, and post-secondary institutions, we are amplifying our impact and providing tangible pathways for the residents of Oakland County to transform their aspirations into college and related post-secondary realities, " said James Willlis, Gesher Human Services Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer.

To date, the navigators have made more than 28,000 connections with residents, attended over 500 community events and offered approximately 800 residents one-on-one counseling and education navigation services.

These services include application and enrollment assistance, help with securing financial aid, and additional wrap around support to help students stay on track to earn a post-secondary degree or credential.

The navigators help prospective students enroll in educational and training programs, while addressing existing barriers, including financial obstacles and time constraints. They work with clients to create customized pathways to achieving their educational goals.

For example, the navigators connect students with the state’s Michigan Reconnect tuition-free scholarships to community college and offer eligible clients $2,000 Oakland80 tuition scholarships to help cover the cost of short-term training or training for their final semester of post-secondary education.

Most recently, the navigators have expanded into local high schools, starting with the Hazel Park Alternative School where students have access to the Hazel Park Promise scholarship.

The goal is to connect residents with support and services to help them stay on the path to success through a traditional education.

“The launch of the Career and Education Navigators would not be possible without the support of Oakland County,” said Rana Al-Igoe, Oakand80 Administrator. “We want to thank the Gesher team for being impactful partners in this ambitious effort, which we are determined to see succeed.”

Residents who would like to connect with a Career and Education Navigator can visit: oakgov.com/oakland80 or call (888) 559-4360

Adrian Resident Launches New Career with the Help of the Oakland80 Program

Request a presentation: Oakland80 is going on the road! Submit a request for the Oakland80 team to present Oakland80 implementation strategy, findings and stories of success. Learn how Oakland County was able to set and launch their ambitious educational attainment goal.

Contact Rana Al-Igoe (al-igoer@oakgov.com) to request and schedule your Oakland80 presentation.

Sept. 26, 2023  |  10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Rana Al-Igoe, Oakland80 Administrator and Jennifer Lewellyn, Manager of Oakland County Workforce Development and Director of Oakland County Michigan Works! will be the guest speakers at this year's Sate of the Lakes Luncheon. 

This event is an opportunity for you to hear first-hand, ask questions and talk with local government officials about issues that affect you, your business and your bottom line. See full event flyer here.

Registration: lakesareachamber.com/events/event-registration-form/
Cost: $40 before Sept. 22  |  $45 after Sept. 22